Coonamble: Boy, 13, granted conditional bail over alleged public place shooting

A 13-year-old boy, who was already on bail, has been charged after allegedly shooting a firearm following a dispute in a small country town. Here’s the latest.

The boy has been charged after he allegedly discharged a firearm into a fence about 6.20pm on Saturday in Coonamble. Photo: Trevor Veale / The Coffs Coast Advocate

Police claim a 13-year-old boy, who allegedly shot a firearm in a public place, fled on foot when he saw officers in a remote town in the state’s west.

The boy has been charged after he allegedly discharged a firearm into a fence in Coonamble about 6.20pm on Saturday.

Police were called to a home and told that a group of people had attended the home because of an ongoing dispute when a boy allegedly fired the gun.

Orana Mid-Western Police District officers commenced an investigation into the circumstances into the incident.

No injuries were reported.

The boy will appear at a children’s court later this month. Photo: Trevor Veale / The Coffs Coast Advocate

Police allege officers had attempted to stop the teenager after he was seen in a parked car about 9pm, but the boy fled on foot when he saw police.

“Police commenced a foot pursuit, and the teen was arrested a short time later and taken to Coonamble police station,” police said in a statement.

He was charged with firing a firearm likely to injure a person or property and breach of bail.

The teen was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on August 20.

Police attended another Coonamble home about 3.20am on Sunday and searched the rear yard. where they allegedly seized a bag containing a modified bolt action rifle, a gel blaster, a replica glock, hunting knives and other items.